November 8, 2024 (NAPA, Calif.) — Festival Napa Valley announced today the appointment of Steven Stull as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and the election of Tim Busch to the Board, joining an impressive roster of vintners and community leaders who guide California wine country’s flagship festival, the largest nonprofit cultural institution in Napa County.
As Founder and President of Advantage Capital, Steven Stull is nationally recognized for his leadership efforts in small business capital formation. He has been a Festival Napa Valley Board member since 2012 and serves on the Executive Committee.
“Steven has brought his wisdom and leadership to the Festival Board for over a decade and has contributed in countless ways to the organization’s success,” said Board Chairman Robin Baggett, proprietor of Alpha Omega, Tolosa, and Perinet wineries. “The position of Vice Chair leads after one year to Chairmanship of the Board. We know the Festival will reach new heights under Steven’s guidance.”
With more than 35 years of leadership in hospitality, business, and law, Tim Busch brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to philanthropy to his new role as a member of the Festival Board of Directors.
“We are honored to welcome Tim to our board, where his extensive experience in hospitality and his dedication to community service will enhance our mission to bring the arts to all,” said Darioush Khaledi, Chair of Festival Napa Valley’s Nominating Committee. “We look forward to his contributions in expanding the Festival’s impact in Napa Valley and beyond.”
As the founder of Pacific Hospitality Group, Busch has built and overseen an impressive portfolio of 14 hotels and resorts across the United States, including the flagship Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. The Meritage Collection, under Busch’s guidance, includes iconic properties such as Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort in Kauai, and Hotel Viata in Austin. He is also chairman of the Busch Group, a family of companies that includes a law firm, hotel management and development company, Trinitas Cellars, and multiple faith-based nonprofit organizations. He and his family have actively supported Festival Napa Valley since its inception in 2006.
“I have always admired Festival Napa Valley’s work and how the Festival gives back to our community. Becoming a board member is truly an honor,” said Busch. “I hope to help Festival Napa Valley continue its impressive growth.”
Board members are elected to three-year terms and are eligible for reelection, with approximately one-third of the 32 directors coming up for reelection each year. At its November 7, 2024 meeting – held at Brasswood Winery Estate in St. Helena – the Festival Board reelected Timothy Blackburn, Jean-Charles Boisset, Suzanne Deal Booth, Romana Bracco, Chris Carpenter, Antonio Castellucci, Olivia Decker, Leslie Frank, David Pearson, Michael Polenske, Bob Torres, and John Trefethen for the next term.
Festival Napa Valley’s 19th Summer Season will take place at venues throughout Napa Valley, July 6-20, 2025. View the full board roster at www.festivalnapavalley.org/about-us/board/.
About Festival Napa Valley
Governed by a dedicated board of prominent vintners and local leaders, the Festival enriches the heart and soul of Napa Valley through its diverse programs, engaging audiences with innovative programs that uplift and inspire. The iconic Napa Valley festival presents international stars and emerging talent during the summer season in Napa and year-round on iconic stages in California and beyond. With inspiring education programs for youth and seniors, tuition-free academies for vocalists and instrumentalists, and scholarships for talented students, Festival Napa Valley plays a vital part in creating a thriving, healthy, and engaged community. www.festivalnapavalley.org
